Record Turnout at CNSE’s Community Day to Look at Advances in Nanotechnology

Demonstrating unparalleled enthusiasm for New York’s nanotechnology industry as it rises to global prominence under the leadership of Governor Andrew Cuomo, a record crowd of more than 1,500 people participated today in Community Day at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) of the University at Albany, receiving a firsthand look at the science that is revolutionizing nearly every facet of society, from ultra-fast electronics, green energy and a cleaner environment to improved health care and advanced military and homeland security technologies.

“The record turnout at CNSE’s Community Day is emblematic of the ‘new New York’ that is a product of the vision, leadership and investment of Governor Andrew Cuomo in establishing the Empire State as the clear leader in the global nanotechnology industry,” said Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of CNSE. “We are delighted that so many people, from children to parents and grandparents, were on hand to see the exciting world of nanoscale science and engineering, and to view firsthand the educational and career opportunities that the Governor’s innovation-driven economic model are delivering to all New Yorkers.”

Community Day featured tours of CNSE’s world-class cleanroom facilities; cleanroom gowning demonstrations; timely presentations, displays and booths showcasing nanotechnology education, research and career opportunities; and a host of hands-on activities for children and families.

The event is one of the highlights of CNSE’s unmatched community and educational outreach initiative known as “NANOvember” – now celebrating its fifth anniversary – which is designed to demonstrate the power of nanotechnology and the recognized global leadership of CNSE and New York State.

The schedule for NANOvember includes a Nano Job Fair on Wednesday, November 7 to recruit candidates for more than 300 current and future openings at CNSE; a Nano Discovery Program on Saturday, November 10 that builds on CNSE’s partnership with Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region to support nanotechnology education and workforce training for communities typically underrepresented in science and engineering; a Cleantech Entrepreneur Roundtable hosted by CNSE’s Energy and Environmental Technology Applications Center (E2TAC) on Friday, November 16; and “The Smart Phone Revolution & 2012 NanoText Competition” on Saturday, November 17 that traces the evolution of smartphones, presents the Capital Region’s first-ever speed-texting competition, and collects used cell phones for Equinox’s Domestic Violence Program.

Additionally, the CNSE Community Lecture Series returns on four consecutive Monday nights beginning November 5, with presentations highlighting the impact of nanotechnology in combating aging and improving military technologies, updating the progress of the Global 450 Wafer Consortium (G450C) headquartered at CNSE, and further discussing the global leadership of CNSE and New York State in the science that is “leading to the next Industrial Revolution.”

Graphene oxide membranes have been receiving attention for their extremely powerful separation abilities and the ease at which it can be modified, allowing for membrane permittivity to be fine-tuned. These membranes show the potential to be used for water purification, ‘green’ gas purification and greenhouse gas capture.